Grace – At Home on the Eastern Shore

January 23, 2026January 23, 2026

🐶 Paw Prints on the Eastern Shore: A Pet-Friendly Guide to Virginia’s Coastal Paradise

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a hidden gem tucked along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastline — and if you’re planning a getaway with your furry best friend, you’re in for a treat! From sandy beaches and winding nature trails to wide-open parks and scenic spots perfect for picnics and playtime, this part of Virginia is an ideal escape for pets and their humans alike.

Let’s dive into where you and your pet can explore, relax, and make memories together. 🐾

🌊 1. Stretch Your Legs on Dog-Friendly Beaches

Sand, surf, and sea breezes — what could be better for a pup’s day out?

Guard Shore Beach – Quiet and beloved by locals, this beach on the Chesapeake Bay lets pups romp and explore wide sandy stretches with plenty of room to play.
Assateague Island National Seashore – Berlin, Maryland – this beach offers soft sand and ocean sounds — just be sure to check current pet policies, as the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia restricts pets – not even allowed in your car.
Public Landing – 6 1/2 miles east of Snow Hill, Maryland. It has a fishing pier, swimming areas, boat ramps with public access to the Chincoteague Bay.

🌿 2. Take a Scenic Stroll Through Nature

If your outdoor buddy loves sniffing new trails or splashing through tide pools, there’s no shortage of nature on the Eastern Shore.

Eastern Shore Of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center – Explore miles of open trails together. Dogs are welcome on open refuge paths — just keep them leashed and ready for wildlife viewing (bring your camera too!).
Island Nature Trail – A lovely greenbelt trail on Chincoteague that’s perfect for a leisurely walk with views of marshes and woods.
Brownsville Preserve – A peaceful trail and shoreline haven for leashed dogs that love both nature walks and water views.
Pemberton Historical Park – is a gorgeous 262 acre expanse of nature and wildlife in Salisbury, Maryland. Enjoy trails through the woods and along the river.

🌳 Note: While areas like wildlife refuges are gorgeous, trails help protect sensitive habitat — always stay on marked paths and keep pets under control.

📸 3. Local Culture & Cities to Explore with Pets

Many Eastern Shore towns and communities welcome pets on sidewalks and outdoor patios:

Chincoteague Island: Stroll through town, visit local shops (many with outdoor seating), and enjoy a scoop of ice cream while your pup settles in the shade.
Berlin, Maryland: With quaint streets and outdoor cafes, Berlin is great for an easy afternoon of people-watching with your leashed companion.
Windmill Creek Winery – Great place to kick back, enjoy some music and wine with your furry friend!

💡 Dining Tip: Local restaurants often allow dogs at outdoor tables — it’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm current pet policies.

🎒 Final Tips for Pet-Friendly Travel

Pack essentials (water bowl, treats, waste bags — lots of bags 😉).
Bring a leash and a little etiquette: not all spots allow unleashed pups year-round.
Check seasonal restrictions at beaches and parks before visiting.
Always respect wildlife and habitat rules to keep the Shore pristine for all visitors.

Whether you’re chasing sunrise across sandy beaches, wandering shaded trails, or sipping iced coffee with your pup at a café patio, the Eastern Shore is full of pet-friendly wonder. 🐾💙

Check out Garden and Sea Inn for more pet-friendly ideas! https://gardenandseainn.com/pets

November 10, 2023January 31, 2024

Holiday Events on the Eastern Shore

Daylight Saving Time has ended and it’s getting dark at 4:30pm. So what can you do in the winter on the Eastern Shore to cheer you up? I’ve noticed lots of holiday events popping up in my Facebook feed. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could find a list in one place? I’ve complied a list of the small towns around Garden and Sea Inn and their events. Please keep in mind they can change dates/times and make cancellations at any time. Always check with the Chamber of Commerce for the town/event before making any plans as I can’t always keep up with everything going on.

Chincoteague Island Christmas By The Sea

Berlin, MD – BerlinChamber.org

Nov. 14^th at 3pm – Christmas Tree Arrives
Nov. 3^rd-Dec. 22^nd, 5pm-8pm – Sip & Shop Friday Nights for the Holidays
Nov. 25^th, 11am – Small Business Saturday
Nov. 25^th at 5pm – Ice Ice Berlin & Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 7^th at 7pm – Christmas Parade

Chincoteague, VA – ChincoteagueChamber.com

Nov. 23^rd-26^th, 6am-6pm – Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Week
Nov. 24^th -Jan. 2^nd, 5pm-11pm Nightly – Christmas Manor Lights
Nov. 25th-26^th, 12pm-2:30pm – Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Service Road Open to Drive
Nov. 25^th, 5pm – Annual Tree Lighting Hosted by Historic Main Street Merchants at Robert N. Reed Park
Nov. 25^th ,7pm – “It’s A Wonderful Life” at Island Theatre
Dec. 1^st, 5pm-8pm – Christmas Tree Village at Museum of Chincoteague Island
Dec. 2^nd, 11am-4pm – Christmas Tree Village at Museum of Chincoteague Island
Dec. 2^nd, 11am-4pm – Home For The Holidays Tour & Sale
Dec. 2^nd, 11am – Poker Run for Kids Annual Toy Drive with Chincoteague Police Dept.
Dec. 2^nd, 6pm – Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, Main Street
Dec. 8^th-9^th, 5pm-8pm – Christmas Tree Village at Museum of Chincoteague Island
Dec. 16^th, 11am-1pm – Holiday Cookie Sale at Chincoteague Cultural Alliance
Dec. 31^st, 11pm – Pony Island Horseshoe Drop & Costume Promenade at Robert N. Reed Park
Jan. 1^st, 1:24pm – Polar Pony Plunge at Assateague Island National Seashore

Crisfield, MD

Nov. 25^th , 5pm-7pm – Crab Pot Tree Lighting, Carriage Rides, Music, Shopping
Dec. 1st , 6pm – Annual Christmas Parade
Dec. 2nd, 6pm – Boat Parade Somers Cover to Tawes Nursing Home, Citydock Watch Party

Onancock, VA – www.onancock.org

Dec. 1st, 6pm – Lights on the Lawn Tree Lighting @ Ker Place (Tree lit nightly thru Jan. 1^st)
Dec. 8^th, 6pm – Ker Place Holiday Dinner
Dec. 9^th, 11am – Santa Arrives by Boat at the Wharf
Dec. 9^th, 10am-3pm – Holiday Artisans Market
Dec. 9^th, 2pm-4pm – Cokesbury Music Festival
Dec. 9^th, 1pm-5pm – Onancock Christmas Homes Tour
Dec. 10^th, 5pm – Onancock Holiday Parade

Pocomoke, MD – DowntownPocomoke.com

Nov. 27^th, 7pm – Pocomoke Christmas Parade
Dec. 1st, 5:30pm-8:30pm – The Mayor’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Evening

Snow Hill, MD – SnowHillChamber.com

Nov. 24^th, 5pm – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Garden & Sea Inn Victorian Parlor for the Holidays

Be sure to book your stay early for best rates and bring your appetite! Hope to see you soon!

Happy Holidays,

Grace

October 26, 2023January 23, 2026

Explore The Eastern Shore

My favorite season is finally here with cooler temperatures, less bugs, and the beauty of changing leaves. In a world where all we do is work, work, work, everyone needs to take time out, slow down and do a little self care. So what do I like to do? I enjoy being outside in nature. One of my favorite trails is just 10 minutes from the Inn in Pocomoke City, MD.

Cypress Park and Pocomoke City Nature Trail are located on the Pocomoke River right across from Delmarva Discovery Museum. The trail winds along the river, through the woods, over a bridge, past a kayak launch, emerges at Winter Quarters which used to be a golf course and is now a beautiful park.

Watch the sunset from the park bench with your pooch! Yes, this trail is pet-friendly. There’s even an electric car charging station for those that need to recharge their car as well as themselves!

Circle the lake for a little longer walk. It’s about 2 miles. Be sure to do this when it’s dry because it does flood a little when it’s rainy.

This is just one of the many wonderful trails on the Eastern Shore. Stay tuned for more things to do on the Eastern Shore and hope to see you soon at Garden & Sea Inn!

April 23, 2020January 23, 2026

Pet-Friendly Ideas on the Eastern Shore

Assateague Island — One of two pet-friendly beaches near Garden and Sea Inn

One of the unique things about Garden and Sea Inn is that we are pet-friendly. Many folks travel everywhere with their furry friends and that can present some logistics issues. I used to travel from Colorado to Indiana every year with my dog. Figuring out where to sleep, eat and exercise is always challenging. The sleep part is easy if you’re staying on the Eastern Shore.

Garden and Sea Inn bed and breakfast has several pet-friendly rooms. The main Victorian does not allow pets. The inn sits on almost five beautifully landscaped acres with room to walk your dog, relax on a screened porch or hang out at a fire pit with your furry friend. Check out our pet policies if you have any questions.

There are three pet-friendly beaches nearby. On the Atlantic ocean, Assateague Island National Seashore in Berlin, Maryland is about 45 minutes from the bed and breakfast. Please be aware dogs are not allowed in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – not even in your car. On the way back from the Maryland side of Assateague, I highly recommend stopping at the Atlantic Hotel for lunch or dinner. Always check to see if they are serving on the patio if you wish to bring your dog.

Public Landing, Maryland is 6.5 miles east of Snow Hill. It is a beautiful location and has a fishing pier, swimming areas, boat ramps with public access to the Chincoteague Bay. It is posted to never swim within 48 hours of a rainfall. I highly recommend this beach if you’re staying at Garden and Sea Inn.

Guard Shore beach is located on the Chesapeake Bay and is only 20 minutes away. The beach usually has calm surf and is lessor known. There are no facilities. Be sure to bring bug spray and water. Directions to these beaches can be found on our website.

If you’re into hiking and walking, there are several parks and trails in both Virginia and Maryland that allow dogs. I’ve put together a pet-friendly list of these places as well as restaurants in the area that allow outside dining with your pooch. Give them a call and verify outside dining is available for you and your pet since it’s weather-related and seasonal.

Garden and Sea Inn is centrally located on the Eastern Shore which makes it easy to visit places in both Virginia and Maryland. We are minutes from Assateague, Chincoteague and Wallops Islands. Hope to see you and your critters soon!